Quick Yinzing: Steelers deny Browns, win 20-13 in revenge game
“Quick Yinzing” is Steel City Underground’s post-game feature where there is no research, no extensive stats, all “Renegade” and reactions in recapping the Pittsburgh Steelers’ game performance.
Over the past two weeks, there was plenty of talk about the Week 13 rematch between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. Although the Steelers once again got off to a very slow start on offense, Pittsburgh picked things up with the help of several young players. The already red hot Steelers defense made their presence known through a mix of pressure and coverage. From the second quarter forward, the Steelers were determined to defend their house at Heinz Field and sent the Browns packing for a bus ride home after being beaten, 20-13.
Devlin Hodges may not have played a game that will really stand out for a lot of people but he was cool under pressure and, for the most part, was able to make some nice plays through the air. With the fans at Heinz Field decked-out in “Duck” adornments in support of the backup quarterback who has given Pittsburgh a spark on offense, there was a lot of excitement when Hodges found James Washington on a couple of very nice plays, including a touchdown that showed Washington’s athletic ability. Hodges’ lone turnover came on a route miscommunication with Diontae Johnson, although the rookie receiver redeemed himself somewhat with some critical catches during the game.
Running back Benny Snell offered Steelers fans a display of the hard-nosed type of north-south running he was known for at Kentucky. Snell carried the ball well and often gained extra yardage after initial contact, helping the Steelers offense keep the chains moving. Snell also scored his first NFL touchdown on the day with a smooth rumble through the pile into the end zone.
Bud Dupree was a leader for Pittsburgh’s defense, earning a strip-sack on Baker Mayfield that was recovered by Cam Heyward as other defenders went for the loose ball. Dupree, who is in a contract year, has been playing out of his mind of late. In this game, Dupree seemed to be able to knife his way into the Browns’ offensive backfield and make several big plays or at least create havoc that allowed teammates, Javon Hargrave and T.J. Watt, to make plays of their own.
Late in the fourth quarter, after Minkah Fitzpatrick knocked a ball down that could have been an interception, Joe Haden got revenge against his former team by grabbing a pass over the middle of the field and playing it smart by returning it until he got close to any players that might make a play on him. By going down, Haden essentially allowed the clock to run as long as possible before the play was ruled dead. With his teammates on defense celebrating with Haden, Hodges was able to take the Steelers offense out onto the field for the victory formation.
